Project Dakota is a easy way to update Windows XP.

It is a CD that contains all the updates found on the Windows Update Web site, including Service Pack 2 and Service Pack 3, with a small standalone programs that run the updates in the order specified by Microsoft according to the order set by Microsoft.
It also includes common programs found on most computers such as Adobe reader, Spybot S&D and Quick time (and lots more :))

Why but?

Well think about it, if you build a new computer would you rather wait for all the updates to download off the web site, execute, restart, connect again, download and chew up your download cap?
OR
Would you prefer to put a CD in the drive and click go and have them all done for you?

Why not use WSUS?

The developers have no objection to WSUS but if you don't have a server running Server 2003 you can't use WSUS, and Project Dakota can be used in the field if the client computer doesn't even have SP2 installed.

Why don't you just slipstream the updates into a custom version?

Because not everyone knows how to do that, and many people don't have the time. It also means that in an office environment, you may not want to have 30 copies of the same thing laying around, if you have a server, extract the ISO and your done, no multiple copies. If the computer already has Windows installed, this is a way to install updates without reinstalling.

Does it support updating multiple computers at once?

Yes! It does support networking, all it needs is a mapped network drive, this can either reside on a client computer or a server, up to you.

Can it run from a USB thumb drive?

Yes! It can, just extract the ISO or Zip file to the flash drive and run the file called Project_Dakota.exe

What if my computer doesn't have Service Pack 2 installed?

No problem! Project Dakota will apply the pre Service Pack 2 updates, install Service Pack 2 and then continue with the Post Service Pack 2 updates. It will update your computer to the date the ISO was made available to download, this date can be found on the download page.

How up to date is it?

A new version will be released monthly for download. Bridging versions will be available for network users so that you don't have to re download updates you already have. There are also updates available for download which can be applied at any time after the install, or at the designated time during the install. Project Dakota is not designed to replace Windows Update, it is designed to work with it. When Project Dakota has finished running, we highly recommend checking the Windows Update Web site to apply any updates missed by Project Dakota.

Do i have to sit there and press next the whole way through?

Nope, that's the good thing about Project Dakota, the updates are all silent (passive installs). You will be required to sit and make a few choices such as what applications are installed, and click through a few updates that don't support passive installs.

What Operating Systems are supported?

At the moment, the current version is for Windows XP and Server 2003

HOWEVER
Plans are already in motion for: Windows 2000, Windows Vista, Server 2000 and Windows Home Server

Will Project Dakota keep my computer Up to date at all times?

No, Project Dakota is used to do a bulk install of updates to save time. By not running it at all times, it means your computer will be faster as well

Can i queue up my own things that aren't included in Project Dakota to run as it runs ?

Yes! We have found a way where you can do this, for more information please see the forums

What about Service Pack 3 ?

There is a version of Project Dakota that has Service Pack 3 in it. Through experimentation we found that Service Pack 3 doesn't cover all updates, but it is the Microsoft Approved way to cover all the updates.